maniacbug
Member
Hi, folks. Our family is considering a 2015 Leaf as the first car for our 16-year-old new driver. Having bought many used cars, I've come to rely on a thorough pre-purchase inspection at a local mechanic. It's not cheap, but it sure beats buying a crappy car.
The problem is I don't expect the local shop to be able to expertly inspect the EV-specific components, especially the battery. So far, I've come up with these options. I'm curious how you folks tackle this problem generally, as well as any feedback on the specific approaches.
1. Have the local Nissan dealer conduct the pre-purchase inspection. Presumably these people will know the most about the Leaf.
2. Buy the Leaf Spy app and the recommended OBDII reader, essentially inspecting the battery myself. If I go this route, am I just looking for SOH? Perhaps looking at SOC before and after a test drive?
3. Search harder for a local shop who knows this stuff? (Bonus points if anyone here is in Seattle and knows anyone they'd recommend on the Eastside.)
Thanks!
The problem is I don't expect the local shop to be able to expertly inspect the EV-specific components, especially the battery. So far, I've come up with these options. I'm curious how you folks tackle this problem generally, as well as any feedback on the specific approaches.
1. Have the local Nissan dealer conduct the pre-purchase inspection. Presumably these people will know the most about the Leaf.
2. Buy the Leaf Spy app and the recommended OBDII reader, essentially inspecting the battery myself. If I go this route, am I just looking for SOH? Perhaps looking at SOC before and after a test drive?
3. Search harder for a local shop who knows this stuff? (Bonus points if anyone here is in Seattle and knows anyone they'd recommend on the Eastside.)
Thanks!